Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has canceled a planned special legislative session to redraw congressional and state Supreme Court district maps, a move that disrupts Republican efforts to reshape the state's political landscape. The decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling on redistricting and race, which has prompted Republican-led states to reconsider their district maps.
Reeves initially signaled support for redistricting after the Supreme Court's "Callais" ruling, which addressed how race can factor into redistricting. However, he reversed course Wednesday, citing logistical challenges and the fact that Mississippi's March 10 primary has already passed, making changes to the voting landscape difficult. The cancellation also halts efforts by some Republicans to shift the state's congressional delegation from a 3-1 Republican majority to a 4-0 Republican majority, a move that would have targeted Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, a former chairman of the House January 6 Committee.
Reeves defended his decision, stating that he would prioritize the best interests of Mississippi and the U.S. while working closely with the Trump administration. He denied claims of flip-flopping, emphasizing that the timing of the primary complicated any potential changes. The governor also reiterated his support for ousting Thompson, whom he referred to as having a 33-year "reign of terror."
The Supreme Court ruling in question overturned a lower court decision that had found Mississippi's state Supreme Court district maps inhibited Black candidates. The ruling has sparked debates about race-neutral approaches to redistricting, with some Republican-led states moving to redraw maps accordingly. The cancellation of the special session leaves the future of redistricting in Mississippi uncertain.